Mexican governor accused by U.S. of drug trafficking temporarily steps down
Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha Moya has temporarily stepped down from his position following U.S. accusations of collaborating with the Sinaloa cartel to distribute large quantities of narcotics. The U.S. Justice Department charged Rocha Moya and nine others with drug trafficking and related offenses, which he denies as 'false and malicious.' Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that extradition would require irrefutable evidence, highlighting the diplomatic sensitivity of the case.
- ▪Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha Moya was charged by the U.S. Justice Department with drug trafficking and conspiracy.
- ▪Rocha Moya temporarily stepped down to allow investigations, losing his legal immunity.
- ▪The U.S. has never before publicly charged a sitting Mexican governor with narcotrafficking.
- ▪Rocha Moya faces life in prison or a minimum of 40 years if convicted.
- ▪Culiacan Mayor Juan de Dios Gamez, also charged, announced he would step down.
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World Mexican governor accused by U.S. of drug trafficking steps down during investigation May 2, 2026 / 10:27 AM EDT / CBS/AFP Add CBS News on Google The governor of a Mexican state who was accused by the United States of ties to drug trafficking said on Friday he was temporarily stepping down to facilitate investigations.Sinaloa Gov. Ruben Rocha Moya and nine others were charged by the U.S. Justice Department this week for working with the notorious Sinaloa cartel to distribute "massive quantities" of narcotics to the United States.Rocha Moya, a member of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum's left-leaning Morena party, has decried the allegations as "false and malicious." At least three officials charged in the indictment were affiliated with Morena."I inform the people of Sinaloa that…
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